The British made a "digital" engine without a camshaft

British engineering company Camcon Automotive has developed the world's first “digital motor” concept using Intelligent Valve Technology (iVT). With its help, the valves are controlled by electric motors that replace the camshaft.

According to the authors of the project, this technology will reduce fuel consumption by 5% and help reduce harmful emissions into the atmosphere. This is especially true for heavy trucks. The creators of the device estimate that it will save about 2750 euros per year compared to a conventional engine, and if there are several dozen or even hundreds in the fleet, this amount will be more than impressive.

“For some time now, all key parameters of the combustion process have been controlled digitally. IVT is as much a step forward as the move from carburetor to electronically controlled fuel injection.”

explains Neil Butler, technical consultant for Camcon Automotive. IVT gives you unlimited control over the valves, bringing huge benefits from low emissions in cold weather to deactivating some cylinders when needed.

According to the developers, the new system should include a software package that will allow iVT calibration through machine learning, combining hardware and software into one package. The result is the most optimized internal combustion engine to date – the “digital engine”.